Iowa’s towns and cities offer a mix of attractions that appeal to every interest and sensibility. Enjoy a shopping spree or art museum excursion one day, and explore history, casino gaming or motorsports the next. With customized tour itineraries, groups can incorporate experiences that spark members’ innate curiosity while allowing them to see the multidimensional sides of Iowa’s best-loved destinations.
Fairfield
In Fairfield, groups can design a personalized wellness and shopping escape. Along with traditional options for massage, yoga, exercise and meditation, Fairfield also offers unique alternative healing experiences like the Raj Ayurveda Health Spa, which specializes in Ayurvedic treatment programs, a whole-body system of medicine that originated in India. The newly opened Maharishi Ayurveda Wellness store stocks herbal supplements, teas, oils and other items to support Ayurvedic wellness for those who wish to learn more about the practice. Downtown, Source Vibrations Sound Clinic offers sound therapy classes and rejuvenation experiences where guests can find balance from the vibrations of gongs, singing bowls or a state-of-the-art sound lounge. When it comes to shopping therapy, Fairfield’s got that covered as well, with an array of eclectic local boutiques offering unique gifts, clothing, specialty foods and décor items. Groups can fill a day browsing the shelves at town-favorite stops like Adela’s gift shop, the At Home Store, Overland Sheepskin Co., and Willow and Bright Boutique, just to name a few.
Sioux City
In Sioux City, groups can explore the city’s Western and river heritage while also enjoying one of Iowa’s top spots for arts and cultural entertainment. At Floyd’s Bluff, visitors can take in panoramic views of the surrounding Missouri River Valley plus a memorial dedicated to Sergeant Charles Floyd, a member of the Lewis and Clark expedition who died in 1804 near present-day Sioux City. Nearby, the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center tells the story of the famed expedition through talking animatronic figures and other educational exhibits. Next door, the Sergeant Floyd River Museum & Welcome Center showcases Missouri River history and the rich legacy of river exploration. Meanwhile, art lovers won’t want to miss the Sioux City Art Center, which features more than 1,200 pieces in its permanent collection, including many by artists of the Upper Midwest. Downtown, groups can explore the city’s rich array of outdoor sculptures and murals before grabbing dinner or drinks on Historic Fourth Street, Sioux City’s main entertainment hub.
Council Bluffs
Railroad history abounds in Council Bluffs, designated as Mile Zero for the eastern terminus of the Union Pacific Railroad. The city’s Golden Spike Monument now marks that spot. The Union Pacific Railroad Museum downtown includes interactive exhibits about the building of the Transcontinental Railroad and the broader legacy of American rail travel. Across town, the RailsWest History Museum, housed in a former depot, features historic engines and railroad cars that visitors can walk through. Come nighttime, groups can blow off steam at one of Council Bluffs’ three casino entertainment centers: Harrah’s Council Bluffs Hotel and Casino, Horseshoe Council Bluffs and Ameristar Council Bluffs. Each offers ample opportunities for table and slot gaming, plus live entertainment and fine dining, all on-site. At Harrah’s, groups can maximize their stay by enjoying 360-degree views at the hotel’s rooftop restaurant or catching a concert at Stir Cove, the complex’s popular outdoor concert venue.
Dubuque
Art is everywhere in Dubuque, home to 50 street murals that blanket the downtown in color. The Dubuque Museum of Art, undergoing an expansion set for completion in 2027, houses priceless works from the likes of Edward Curtis and Grant Wood. Meanwhile, the Art on the River exhibit features a collection of sculptures along the city’s paved Mississippi Riverwalk. But the scenic beauty in Dubuque doesn’t stop with Mississippi River overlooks. Sundown Mountain, an area ski resort, is a popular year-round destination for groups, thanks to its scenic vistas, spots for picnicking and miles of hiking trails. Right along the river, the Mines of Spain State Recreation Area also delivers access to breathtaking natural scenery and even the chance to spot bald eagles. For groups wishing to experience the beauty of the Mississippi by water, American Lady Cruises offers a series of public cruises including dinner, lunch and happy hour options.
Knoxville
Known as the “Sprint Car Capital of the World” thanks to the prestige of Knoxville Raceway’s annual Knoxville Nationals sprint car event, the area specializes in hosting groups that love motorsports. Visitors can enjoy live racing at the track on Saturdays during its season, April through September, or take a trip to the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame & Museum year-round. The museum is jam-packed with vintage race cars and racing memorabilia, plus info on the sport’s legendary racers. Beyond the track, Knoxville invites groups to relax and unwind with a little outdoor fun at Iowa’s largest man-made lake. Covering 15,000 acres, Lake Red Rock offers an idyllic spot for boating, fishing, skiing, paddling and other water sports. Its tree-dotted shorelines include 41 miles of hiking trails and multiple areas for camping, including the popular Hickory Ridge Wilderness Campground.
